BlackBerry Ltd Hub Software Available For Android Marshmallow Devices

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It’s easy to forget that BlackBerry is still around, though not terrifically relevant outside of enterprise solutions and high-security use. The once dominant smartphone maker announced today that it would bring “the best” of BlackBerry to Android with a free trial offer.

BlackBerry Hub keeps us reminded the company still exists

In a year where Samsung has released incredible handsets and Apple stock has tumbled given declining iPhone sales and negative expectations surrounding the release of the iPhone 7, BlackBerry has done little but disappointed with the Priv and the DTEK50 which was recently released.

All that said, the company’s other holdings and pursuits still keep it afloat and in a quest for an additional revenue stream the company has released The Hub which combines apps such as Calendar, Password Keeper, Contacts, Tasks, Device Search, Notes, and Launcher in one place. The release will only work with Android devices running Android 6.0 Marshmallow or newer and can really only appeal to those feeling nostalgic for their old BlackBerry’s which they’ve replaced with an Android phone.

Available in the Google Play Store the BlackBerry Hub+ will be available for free use for 30 days supported by occasional ads. If users tire of the ads, a subscription will cost your $0.99 monthly. It’s the first release from the company’s newly formed Mobility Solutions Group but wont be the last according to the company. Additionally, the group is working to making Hub available to Android users who continue to use Android Lollipop.

“An important initiative of the Mobility Solutions unit is a software strategy that combines BlackBerry’s strength in security, engineering savvy and device experience. The result – the ability to extend the best of BlackBerry’s secure communications and productivity features to any Android M consumer, enterprise or government customer,” said Ralph Pini, Chief Operating Officer and General Manager, Mobility Solutions, BlackBerry. “Our customers have always raved about the unique experience of our proprietary productivity apps such as the BlackBerry Hub, calendar and contacts, amongst others. I’m excited that we’re now able to offer these amazing features to all Android users that demand the most out of their smartphones.”

The release today shows that BlackBerry is looking for the Mobility Solution Group to support it rather than hardware sales.

 

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